Thirteen Things I Hate About Salon Day

I love getting my hair cut and styled, but I hate going to the salon.

1. You have to do your hair to go have someone else do your hair. This puzzles my 12 year-old son, but heck, a girl can’t walk into the salon with bed head! And the salon I go to is in the mall. No way am I walking through the mall without doing my hair.

2. Stylists don’t listen. Oh, they nod, make the appropriate noises and pretend to listen to what you want then do their own thing. Because of the shape of my face they think my hair should be styled so it frames my face. I always wind up pushing it behind my ears to get it off my face.

3. Stylists never blow dry your hair right. I have thin hair, and they always want to blow it out straight and flat. Ick! Refer back to #3, stylists don’t listen.

4. Salon products are expensive. Those wonderful shampoos, mouse, etc. they use that make your hair feel great cost an arm and a leg. If you want the color to hold up, or to get the style to turn our right, you need the products.

5. The stylist invariably says something that stresses you out. Like today, my stylist asked if I do my own eyebrows. Um…yeah. Why? Only I didn’t ask why so now I’m wondering if they’re crooked or something.

6. It smells! All the hair color, peroxide and perm solutions give me a headache. Ugh! I don’t know how the stylists can handle working in there all day with that toxic smell.

7. They ask you to change into a smock. It takes forever to find one that actually has ties or snaps to keep it closed properly.

8. Those stupid sinks they wash your hair in kill your neck. Even when they put a towel around your neck, the positioning is not comfortable. The water is never the right temperature. Either its scorching hot or luke warm. There seems to be no in between.

9. The stylist’s life is a soap opera, and since you are a captive audience, she has to tell you all the details. This makes the whole painful experience take twice as long because she can’t multitask.

10. The stylists have to bitch back and forth with each other about the one who isn’t there that day. That poor unlucky soul is apparently perpetually late and lazy. I wonder if they realize at some point its their day off, which probably puts them in the hot seat.

11. They put you under the dryer and you can’t hear anything. Suddenly, their conversation seems to be about you because as they talk everyone in the salon keeps glancing your way.

12. The torture does not end when you get out of the chair. Now you have to deal with the snooty girls at the desk. Have you ever noticed the receptionist’s hair is a different color every time you go back? I think the stylists practice on them.

13. Then they hand you the exorbitant bill, and you have to part with hard earn $$ for the privilege of being tortured. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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Blurb: Earth girls aren’t easy,” the hunky stranger from another planet tells Angie when she puts the brakes on their erotic encounter. But what else can she do when she finds out just how far out of town he’s from?Danek had two reasons to visit planet Earth. One was straightforward — deliver a package for the woman his lord commander had whisked away without stopping to ask if she had any unfinished business to wrap up first. The other was more complicated, continuing his search for his bondmate among the women of that world.

The package errand led him to Angela Robbins, where Danek discovers two things. First, that he’s found his bondmate, the woman whose psychic wavelength matches his and who has the latent psychic ability to receive his telepathic thoughts. And second, that convincing her of this will take all his considerable seductive skill along with new heights of ingenuity. He might be alien, but Danek’s all male and determined to win his woman with pleasure that’s out of this world!

Nic’s Recommendation:

We earth girls may not be easy, but alien men may just be our perfect match. They have this telepathic bond that sure comes in handy in improving communications and sex.

This is another great read from Ms. Teglia. The sharp dialogue and witty prose will keep you laughing as this delightful read heats things up!

Earth Girls Aren’t Easy is available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

Today is my day on the Slash & Burn blog. Stop by and share your opinion if you have a minute!

Woot! Lena from Night Owl Review gave Rakahnja’s Haven a 4/5

Thanks, Lena! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book.Here’s part of Lena’s comments:
“Oh my god if the cover of Mr. Romance doesn’t do it for you the story sure will. I encourage you to grab this book. If you do not then you will miss an awesome book.

“I loved that even though Rakahnja had a bad past, losing his mother at a young age, he was still able to see that the world hasn’t changed that much when its comes to shapeshifters. He was still able to decide that he was willing to take a human female to mate.

“From the description of his soulful amber eyes to his hot body there is no way that Anita would ever forget Rakahnia. This man is hot and the jaguar part wow. I don’t know which scene I liked best. All of the scenes between Rakahnja and Anita are super hot! Nicole Austin has a hit with this book and will I look forward to more from this talented and imaginative author.” You can read the review in its entirety here.

Blurb:

Christina Marshall has no desire to have a man in her life. TJ McFee and Jonathan Winslow are on a mission to change her mind.

As the daughter of an abusive drunk, Christina could care less about the lack of men in her life. So why is she having seriously erotic dreams about two of her bosses?

Jon and TJ are men who go after what they want and right now their focus is on a certain blonde-haired, brown-eyed nymph who’s done her best to blow off anyone of the XY persuasion. She’s a challenge. Never let it be said that either one of them ignore a challenge.

Their seduction is set off course when Christina’s mother dies and her father reinstates himself in her life. When accusations of murder fly, Chris must find a way to learn to trust both Jon and TJ. Her very life may depend on it.

Nic’s Recommendation: Whew, someone send over some ice!

TJ and Jon are two dominant alphas that any woman would die to be sandwiched between. Christina gets to prove this theory. Take two dominating and determined alphas. Add in the woman they want to get in their bed and keep there. Now throw in a drunken weasel of a father and brother and you’ve got on flaming hot story with a touch of suspense thrown in the mix.

From almost the moment this story starts to the very last page this trio is tearing up the bed sheets, working on getting rug burns and steaming up the car windows every chance they can get. Jon and TJ work very hard at gaining Christina’s trust so they can keep her forever. I have to say these men do a bang up job of it too. Sex isn’t all they are after, they want her heart too.

Once again Annmarie pulls the reader in to another from the first page and doesn’t let go. Don’t plan on setting this book down once you start reading. It’s just not possible.

This sexy and touching story is available tomorrow from Samhain Publishing.

Woohoo! I love getting new book covers, and Samhain artist Anne Cain always does an amazing job. Isn’t it pretiful!

Jesse’s Challenge, book 3 of the Corralled Series, releases November 6th.

Blurb:

In this anonymous game, she makes all the rules. It’s a challenge no cowboy can resist. 

When Jesse Powers jumps feet first into the shark-infested waters of big-business wheelers and dealers, homesickness for his Montana ranch rides this cowboy hard. Until a fiery uptown girl captures his interest. 

Kate Brooks has a strategy mapped out to climb the corporate ranks then start her own graphic arts firm. Deviation from her plan is not an option. She certainly can’t afford the distraction of her hunky, peeping-Tom neighbor—no matter how great the temptation. 

As they engage in an anonymous game of exhibitionism and voyeurism, Jesse and Kate push the limits until flirtation explodes into a feverish night of pleasure beyond compare. While Kate’s willing to let Jesse take charge in the bedroom, she makes it clear that her submission ends at the bedroom door. Yet it proves frighteningly easy for Jesse to turn her control to putty anytime, anywhere. 

For Jesse, it’s easy to talk Kate into a weekend at his ranch, where he can really turn up the heat. The hard part will be convincing her to stay. 

Because somewhere between harmless flirtation and hell-bent-for-leather sex, Jesse’s “sly red fox” has lassoed his heart. 

Warning, this book contains lots of yeehaw hot cowboy sex, including voyeurism and exhibitionism, told in contemporary, graphic language.

Thirteen Margarita Recipes

I’m celebrating the release of my 8th book, Margarita Day. Yay! And what better way to do so than with thirteen margarita recipes. After all, it’s such a versatile drink. You can mix in your favorite fruit flavored liqueur or beer. Heck, you can even mix it with other cocktails for a unique drink. They can be served frozen or on the rock, with or without a salted glass. The possibilities are endless. It’s been so hot outside a cold margarita makes a refreshing treat. Make it a Margarita Day!

Cool Mint Margarita
1 ½ oz. tequila
½ oz. triple sec
½ oz. crème de menthe
3 oz. margarita mix
Shake and pour over ice
Garnish with fresh mint

Martirita (Margarita & Martini)
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. triple sec
Splash of margarita mix
Fresh lime juice
Shake and pour over ice

Sangrita (Margarita & Sangria)
8 oz. tequila
12 oz. margarita mix
2 oz. lime juice
3 oz. triple sec
4 oz. sangria
Add crushed ice to a blender along with the first four ingredients. Pour into glass then add the sangria.

Pina Rita (Margarita & Pina Colada)
1 ½ oz. tequila
1 oz. melon liqueur
1 oz. pina colada mix
½ oz lime juice
½ oz. orange juice
Dash of grenadine
½ cup crushed ice
Mix in blender

Beerita (Margarita & Beer)
2 (12 oz) bottles of beer – chilled, light domestic beer
½ cup frozen limeade concentrate – thawed
4 oz. chilled tequila
Combine beer, limeade and tequila. Pour over ice.
Note – this recipe makes 4 servings

Redneck Margarita
1 oz. whiskey
½ oz. triple sec
margarita mix
Fill rocks glass with ice. Add whiskey and triple sec, then add margarita mix until the glass is full.

Blue Margarita
2 oz. tequila
1 1/2 oz. blue curacao
1 1/2 oz. margarita mix
Mix in blender with crushed ice

Purple Margarita
2 oz. tequila
2 oz. margarita mix
2 oz. raspberry liqueur
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. cranberry juice
Shake and pour over ice

Banana Margarita
1 oz. crème de bananes
1 oz. tequila
½ oz. triple sec
¾ oz. lemon juice
¼ cup mashed banana
Rub the lemon juice around the rim of a frosted glass and dip into superfine bar sugar. Fill with ice. Mix the liquid ingredients and pour into prepared glass.
Garnish with a lemon juice-dipped slice of banana

Red Hot Rita
1 ½ oz. tequila
1 oz. triple sec
1 oz. lime juice
½ tsp. hot sauce
Rub lime over edge of glass and dip into superfine bar sugar. Add ice to glass. Shake ingredients and pour into prepared glass.

Chocolate Margarita
1 ½ oz. tequila
1 oz. Godiva liquor
¾ oz. half & half
1 tbsp. chocolate syrup
2 oz. orange juice
Coat the rim of the glass with crushed chocolate cookies
Shake and serve over ice.

Frozen Raspberry Margarita
4 cups frozen raspberries
2 tbsp. lemon juice
6 oz. tequila
2 oz. Grand Marnier
3 oz. Chambord
2 cups ice
Mix in blender until smooth.
Rub lime over edge of glass and dip into superfine bar sugar. Pour frozen mixture into prepared glass.
Garnish with whole, fresh raspberries
Note – makes 4 servings

Reduced Calorie Margarita
1 tub Crystal Light lemon-lime or lemonade drink mix
2 cups water
Juice of one lime
8 oz. Tequila
6 oz. Grand Marnier
4 oz. Brandy
Mix in 2-quart pitcher filled with ice. Maxes 1 ½ quarts

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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I just received this fabulous review of Margarita Day from author Mackenzie McKade.
Squeeee! Thanks so much, Mac! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story.

Jodi’s back and her fantasies are still as hot as they were in Mimosa Night. But this time she’s on the edge of making a decision that could change her life forever. What does a woman do when she has a stable of men to choose from? I held my breath waiting to see what Jodi would do. John held my heart. Connor once again made me want to explore my own fantasies, while Wiz I considered slapping a time or two.

Nicole Austin and TK Winters have done it again! An unique blend of fantasy, emotion, and sex made this reader turn one page after the other. If you haven’t purchased your copy I recommend you do it now! Enjoy!!!

Mac
Mackenzie McKade

Margarita Day, the stand alone sequel to Mimosa Night, is now available. Yay! Both stories were inspired by our readers. Margarita Day is the story of Vegas card dealer Jodi Matthews She’s the shy, quiet type—still waters do run deep. Warning, this Contemporary Romance is a Red Hots!, so have plenty of ice on hand.

To celebrate the release, TK and I are running two contests. Keep reading for details on how to win a $10 MBaM or $25 Amazon gift certificate.

Blurby Part:
Recipe for Margarita Day: Take one shy woman, toss in three determined alphas, mix liberally with sizzling sex, add a dash of intrigue, and watch the steam rise.

Jodi Matthews is the consummate gamer. One crazy night she let her hair down, stripped off her clothes, and anteed up for a night of poker and wild fantasy sex. Now she has three alpha players hot to win her hand.

Conner is a walking wet dream ready to share his vision of the future. Wiz, a high roller looking for a cherished pet to adorn his arm, while John’s an average Joe who can turn Jodi inside out with a simple look.

No matter what card she chooses, Jodi risks losing something. The life she loves working as a Vegas dealer or some close friends. Maybe both.

From champagne and diamonds to mysterious parties and private jets, Jodi must accept herself and what her heart’s always known. The Smut Squad is there, ready and willing to fortify her courage and orchestrate a daring hunt for the ultimate stakes.

The only thing is—this is no game, and the jackpot will be even better than her wildest dreams.

Warning, this book contains wild sex on the beach, along with other steamy encounters, told in contemporary, graphic language!

Brief Spicy Teaser:
For Adult Audiences
Wiz slipped out of the booth, and with a bow and teasing grin on his face, he held out his hand. “May I have this dance, Jodi?”
John stiffened next to her and she glanced at him first, hoping he’d be okay with this. “Dance? Well hell, why not?” She took Wiz’s hand, letting him pull her from the seat and lead her to the small parquet floor.
Wiz pulled her close. His tight pants did nothing to hide the burgeoning erection nestled between them. Right or wrong, a heated flush prickled across her skin in reaction. She looked up at him and her mouth went dry. Older or not, he was one magnificent-looking man. She wanted to trace the meticulously groomed moustache outlining his full upper lip with her finger. Tonight he looked magical and should be dancing around a fire, taunting gypsies in flaring skirts with his prowess or standing in a ring, the crowd roaring as he enticed a bull to charge.
The evening began to take on a surreal quality as Wiz guided her across the small floor, hips moving against hers in sensual rhythm. Another warm body moved in close behind her, the scent of John’s cologne sending her already overloaded senses reeling. Placing his hands on her hips, he moved in closer. His thick cock pushed between the cheeks of her ass.
Oh yeah, she thought as the three of them began to move together. Jodi let her head fall back against John’s shoulder, her breasts pressed against Wiz’s chest, and she was encased by hard flesh. She let the music and the heady scent of arousal wash through her and take her away.
John’s warm thighs pressed against hers, a large hand keeping a possessive hold on her, his thumbs resting along the sensitive crease on each side of her mound, fingers grasping her hips. Her body heated, blood pumped faster and her panties dampened with desire. Damn, his hands felt good.
Wiz’s fingertips glided across her jaw and down her neck. She moaned as he traced random patterns along her breasts before cupping them in his hands and brushing his thumbs across her tight nipples.
The combination of their caresses made her head swim, but they avoided the places she wanted them to touch. The three of them swayed to the music. Jodi relished the sensation of moving between two hot male bodies. It was a fantasy brought to life.
John’s fingers wandered over her swollen flesh, creeping closer to where she needed his touch. She wiggled in an attempt to get his questing fingers in the right spot, and bit back a needy whimper. Damn him. If he’d cooperate, slide a bit lower, increase the pressure…
Jodi gasped, unable to hide her reaction when Wiz plucked at her nipples. Fiery jolts raced from her breasts to her pussy.
They had her on edge, ready to soar, both men working together toward a common goal—her pleasure.

Two Contests:
It’s simple, to win the gift certificates all you have to do is answer 3 questions about Margarita Day! Click here to see the questions and details on how to enter. Good luck!

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There are many different kinds of margaritas. I enjoy mine with a bit of brandy and no salt on the glass. This recipe will make two regular-sized or one jumbo margarita.

Ingredients:
2 oz. Tequila - I use either Jose Quervo or Sauza Conmemorativo
6 oz. Margarita mix (6 oz.) Any brand will do
1 oz. Brandy - Presidente is very good in margaritas
A dash of triple sec - Cointreau is a good brand. Don’t use a lot. This adds the flavor of sweet and bitter orange peels, and a little goes a long way.

Recipe:
Add everything to ice. Shake. Garnish with a wedge of lime. Yummmy!

Serving:
Find a hunky alpha to deliver your drink. Here my favorite bartender.